Imagine finding a coin in a school lost-and-found box that’s worth almost a million dollars! That’s exactly what happened at a Washington state middle school when a Sacagawea Dollar was discovered in a forgotten lunchbox. This rare 2000-P coin, valued at up to $920,000, has collectors buzzing. These golden dollars are still in circulation, so you might have one in your change or coin jar. Let’s dive into why this coin is so special and how to spot one that could make you rich.
A Coin with a Rich History
The Sacagawea Dollar, first minted in 2000, honors the Shoshone woman who helped guide the Lewis and Clark expedition. Designed by Glenna Goodacre, it features Sacagawea and her baby on the front and an eagle on the back. Its golden color comes from a manganese-brass layer over a copper core. Over a billion were made, so most are worth just $1. But rare versions, like the one found in the school, have unique features or errors that make them worth thousands—or even nearly a million dollars.
Why This Coin Is Worth a Fortune
The coin found in the lost-and-found is a 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar struck in 22-karat gold, a super-rare test piece never meant for circulation. Only a few were made, possibly for Mint testing or as gifts for officials, and none were supposed to reach the public. Its near-mint condition and mysterious journey to a school lunchbox make it a collector’s dream, valued at $920,000. Other valuable Sacagawea coins include the 2000-P “Cheerios” variety with detailed eagle feathers or “mule” errors with mismatched designs, like a quarter’s front, which can sell for $100,000 or more.
How to Spot a Valuable Sacagawea Dollar
You don’t need to be a coin expert to find a treasure. Here’s what to look for:
- Date and mint mark: Check for “2000-P” (Philadelphia) under Sacagawea’s portrait.
- Cheerios variety: Look at the eagle’s tail feathers on the back. Sharp, detailed feathers mark the rare “Cheerios” version from 2000 cereal boxes.
- Errors: Check for mismatched designs, like a quarter’s front or presidential dollar edge lettering. Use a magnifying glass for doubled images or odd marks.
- Weight and color: Gold test coins are heavier (around 8.1 grams) with a distinct golden shine compared to regular coins.
- Condition: Uncirculated coins with no wear or scratches are worth more.
| Feature | Common Sacagawea Dollar | Rare Sacagawea Dollar |
|---|---|---|
| Date | 2000–present | 2000-P |
| Mint Mark | P, D, or S | P (Philadelphia) |
| Design | Standard eagle | Detailed feathers or mule |
| Estimated Value | $1 | $5,000–$920,000 (if rare) |
Where to Find These Hidden Gems
Sacagawea Dollars are still out there—in change from stores, vending machines, or old piggy banks. The school find came from a lunchbox in a lost-and-found, proving treasures can hide anywhere. In 2000, 5,500 “Cheerios” coins were tucked into cereal boxes, and some are still unaccounted for. A Minnesota woman found one worth $11,000 in her grandma’s purse, and others have turned up in bank rolls or flea markets. Check your change or ask family for old coins—you might get lucky
What to Do If You Find a Rare Coin
If you think you’ve got a valuable Sacagawea Dollar, don’t clean it—cleaning can ruin its value. Store it in a plastic coin holder to keep it safe. Take clear photos and compare them to images of rare coins online, like the “Cheerios” variety or mule errors. Then, contact a grading service like PCGS or NGC to verify its authenticity and condition. If it’s a real gem, auction houses like Heritage Auctions can help you sell, but get a professional appraisal first to avoid low offers. The Washington school plans to auction their coin to fund scholarships and school projects.
Start Your Coin Hunt Today
The $920,000 Sacagawea Dollar find shows that life-changing treasures can be hiding in plain sight. With millions of these coins still in circulation, you could stumble across a rare one any day. The “Cheerios” variety, mule errors, or gold test strikes are out there, waiting to be found. Grab a magnifying glass, check your change, and look closely at those golden dollars. Your next coin could be worth more than you ever imagined, just like the one in that school lost-and-found box!
